All prices mentioned on this page are for your approximation use only. Materials/supplies prices have recently experienced wide fluctuations and therefore our final prices will reflect our costs. The current prices can only be obtained via our updated order form.
FAW+ Quest Strada Quest XSEither of the complete lighting systems makes the bike very visible and gives confidence in riding near car traffic at night. A Power Assist (PA) system makes the FAW+ into a versatile transportation vehicle. The cockpit cover is a necessity for weather protection. Other accessories are also listed.
Cockpit cover: $175 for standard cover, currently available only in red. This is an “essential” accessory unless you make your own. It unzips for entry and has a fiberglass rod for a stiffener. The cover is stretched tight by elastics at the rear, but you can still signal a turn with your arm. You can control the ventilation by partially unzipping the cover. This cover is very light and easily stored if you want to go back to “convertible” mode. Yet if rain threatens you can re-attach it in a minute. These covers are made of heavy Cordura waterproof backpack cloth, look nice, and should last for many years.
I leave my cockpit cover on all year. Zipping it closed it makes it difficult to see inside when I am parked outside a store shopping, so it also acts as an anti-theft device.
If you encounter very heavy rain, it is good to also wear a bill cap under your helmet and a parka of waterproof material to keep your neck and shoulders dry. The parka hood can be put under your helmet as long as it does not restrict your peripheral vision.
VMUSA has made a cover for the head hole when our FAW+ is parked outside in the rain. It is very rarely needed in Midland. Of course the head hole can be covered with a jacket, or with a simple rectangular waterproof cloth held on by Velcro. Better yet, you can make a triangular one that is held in front at the vertex using an elastic to the front buckle snap, and the base held by elastics to the cockpit cover mounting posts so it will stay on even in strong winds.
Right Side Rear-view mirror: $30, imported from Germany The left side one is standard.
Lighting kits: We offer two options.
Other electrical system options:
Battery and Smart Charger: 12 v 3300 mAh NMh battery pack with smart
charger, fuse block and fuses. $85. We can provide a much lighter 3200 mAh LiPo
battery and charger system for $200.
VoltWatch: We have a new 12 v battery monitor for the lighting system. It will tell you the state of charge of your 12 v lighting system battery by pressing a button. It draws no current except when you press the button (so cannot drain your battery over time). Even then, it draws only a tiny current. It uses a small LED array to show the state of charge of the battery. It is very helpful in preventing you from neglecting to charge the battery, since you can check its voltage any time you think of it. This system installs very easily and attaches anywhere in your visual field with double-sided sticky tape. Cost: $20.
Headlights
LED headlight: We recommend the new B&M Lumotec IQ Cyo LED headlight (or equivalent) for about $75. It is bright and draws a very small amount of current. Although we use 12 v systems, this light will work also on 6 v. It will stay on for a minute or so after unpowering it, so can be used with generators, although we would not use that capability on a velo whose batteries can be charged at night.
You can use many different types of headlights, such as one of the new LED flashlights or helmet lights on an FAW+. Walmart and other stores sell them for under $20. An LED helmet light makes a good emergency headlight. Most good bike lights are handlebar mounted. The FAW+ handlebar is below the cowl and is on a universal joint so it is useless for headlight mounting. Historically people have cut out the “smile” section of the nose cone so the headlights can be mounted inside, as on a car. This should not be done for the HID headlight as it is too bright and at that angle will blind oncoming drivers.
Using bike headlights requires making a mounting system for the headlights, such as a bracket of PVC piping, and adjusting the positions of the lights (as you would on a car) for maximum utility in lighting up the road when riding at night.. If this Lexan cover is held on by snaps it will be removable so the lights can be adjusted without removing the nose cone.
Backup Headlight: We can supply an auxiliary 10 w, 12 v Halogen headlight for $30. The second headlight mount fits under the edge of the cockpit cover on the right side and is very small. This gives you two headlights. You can use either one or both
Any of the handlebar- or helmet-mounted lights can be used, but then you have one more battery to charge and keep maintained. You probably would have to extend the wiring harness to keep the battery in the cockpit area. The newer LED and Luxeon headlights are less touchy and therefore more reliable than HID headlights
Most bicycle lighting light systems seem to have only handlebar and helmet mounts. We find the cowl-mounted main headlight is more practical. It can be focused at any moment, and it shines downward to better illuminate the road We prefer to use a 12 v headlight system and a rechargeable battery inside the cockpit that also powers the turn signals, brake light, and tail light. The turn signals can be wired to provide an emergency flashing mode. Then everything is easily controllable from the cockpit.
Power Assist: A power assist (PA) system is intended to provide a boost to your cycling, but not to replace it. This will not make you a little electric car, although you can use it that way if you are sick, have a tender knee, etc. A PA system is not necessary if you only use the FAW+ for recreation and body conditioning. The more miles you ride, the stronger you get, and you find you don’t need power assist. You also enjoy pedaling a much lighter bike.
A PA system adds cost but can give you higher speeds for commuting. It also makes your FAW+ quite a bit heavier, so it is a compromise. For example, the BionX PL-350 system weighs 16 lb, this increasing the FAW+ weight from 70 lb to 86 lb. As long as the battery is charged, a PA system makes the FAW+ easier to ride. If the battery gets run down, the extra weight of the PA system makes the bike less fun to ride. It accelerates slower and goes uphill slower. Some people just can’t stand to make their VM heavier than necessary.
Bionx PA system: VMUSA is now a dealer for the BionX PL-350 system. Check out their web site at: Bionx .Their recommended 350 W hub motor with 36 v Li-Ion battery retails for $1995. It has the advantage of being a power boost system. It has 4 levels of power assist (35%, 75%, 150% or 300%,) that automatically add power in proportion to the power you input to the pedals. If you don’t put in any power, it won’t add any either. This is a nice system, a no-brainer to use. It also has 4 levels of regeneration, i.e., it will absorb power from the bike to recharge the batteries. Although efficiency of regen is not high, this system is very effective in adding drag, and if you use the -4 level the bike will hardly roll downhill at all, and even on a steep hill will go very slowly, saving your brakes. I tried one at Interbike on a mountain bike, and at -3 level I could not coast downhill at over 15 mph even on a significant slope. At a –4 setting this system would save your brakes even on a very steep, winding downhill. This system has been improved to work with a 20” rear wheel bike. The Bionx system is quite convenient and very easy to use. The Bionx system complies with Federal law for bicycles so it will not drive your VM faster than 20 mph.
If you have long steep hills on your commute to work, etc., you should consider the Bionx system. The Bionx controller even has PIN number capability so, if armed, will only go a very short distance, go into –4 regen (essentially lock up), and sound an alarm. The Bionx battery capacity is 9.6 Ahrs. For a bicycle BionX quotes ranges of up to 60 miles on the #1 assist setting. Range is expected to be 50% of that on a velomobile. The distance can be increased if you recharge going down hills. If you want to install a Bionx rear hub, we can lower the kit or complete bike price by the cost of the rear hub and wheel. With the Bionx PL-350 you can still have an 9 speed freewheel. However, the smallest cog is 13T, so you will need a very large chainring to go fast in high gear. We are planning to import Czech-made 65 T chainrings for that purpose.
500 W 24 v DC Motor/gearbox/throttle: We still have a few of these motors. They can be set up to drive the cranks. They are a good piece of equipment. One installed in 2005 is still in active use. An array of battery options is available at Ping battery (www.pingbattery.com/). Four of the riders on the ROAM 2011 VM tour across the U.S. used Ping battery packs. With our motor these make a good DIY PA system. We still have a few Whatmeters 24 v consoles for reading out the status of your battery pack. The system, including a Whatmeter, tensioner, and batterypack, costs $1,500.
This system requires a tensioner on the motor drive chain, since commercial cranks do not make the chainrings concentric with the axle. A tensioner can easily be made from the tension arm of an old derailleur.
One of our customers swears by this system and has ridden up to 123 miles on one charge using a 20 Ah 24 v Ping battery.
Horn: We can import a 12 v car-type horn. This is very convenient to use in traffic to warn people you are coming. We have to reinforce the thin nose cone for cutting the 2-1/2” hole for mounting it. This horn should be ordered with the basic kit, since installing and wiring the horn is best done when the kit is assembled. The cost is $75.
Windshield: We have a small windshield to be mounted on the cockpit cover. Cost is $40 and it will keep cold winds, rain, and snow mostly out of your face. I originally got it for winter use, but find that I no longer use it. I now use a face shield during temperatures lower than 32°F. Installation is $40 if we do it.
Wheel covers: $30 per wheel (one side only) including mounting clip, lightweight fiberglass rod stiffener, and cloth cover. These covers are extremely lightweight, look nice and reduce the aerodynamic drag. Wheel covers can also be used on the rear wheels, but since they can be used on both sides of the wheel the cost for wheel covers on the rear is $60. Realize that they will require a hole to be created in the center (for axle clearance) as well as installation under the cassette. This will make the cassette side cover "less-than-convenient" if it needs to be removed (intact) on the road.
Dakje “roof”: For those determined to shield their head from all weather, it is possible to completely cover your head. The www.flevobike.nl “roof” shields the rider from direct rain but still allows air flow to carry away heat and moisture from overheated riders in winter. Riders use it in addition to the cockpit cover.
[The aircraft style cockpit cover we could build would completely enclose the cockpit. It is a “greenhouse” type as used on WW II fighter aircraft.] For a complete cover some have made a DIY aluminum and Lexan cover hinged to the right side arm rest (or to the front or rear) similar to those used on airplanes. Safety requires frangible mounting hinges. It has to have air vents to route air past the inside windshield and rear ports to vent that flow into the air stream behind the bike to reduce or eliminate fogging when under way. We know how (my partner has built them for small airplanes) but haven’t had time to build one for the FAW+. This would make a nice winter DIY project for the creative handy ones. So for a little work and materials you would have a completely enclosed VM. You still have to have a solution for fogging, as you generate heat and moisture when pedaling hard. Generally it will fog up when you stop. [A Dutchman built one for his Alligt Alleweder, but it was a bit clumsy and heavy (6 lb), couldn’t be stored on the bike when not in use, and he mostly didn’t use it, opting instead for a fabric cover].
We can import the Flevobike.nl ‘Roof” (they call it a dakje, little roof) and make it available for $365. It attaches or removes easily with spring clips. In combination with the cockpit cover, this promises to shield the rider’s head in direct heavy rain and could be really appreciated in Seattle or Portland, etc. It is a nice outfit and can be seen on their web site, above. On an FAW+ it requires addition of our headrest fairing so the Dakje will clear your helmet. The “Roof” hinges from in front, so is a bit ungainly to pull back over you after you enter the bike, especially with wind blowing. It could be done with stop cords. This roof is popular with European VM riders and was used on many VMs during ROAM 2011.
Custom Nose Cones
Our standard nose cones come in red. They are beautiful but they do show scratches more than others. [Replacement standard nose cones cost $220].
You can upgrade to a custom, metal-flake nose cone for $55 more. Standard colors are red and silver, but they can be made in other colors by request, but cost more due to the cost of the colored gel coat. Metal flake nose cones reflect light very well, and scratches are much less visible on them. [Replacement metal-flake nose cones cost $275 ]. They have an impressive look, and some think they are very cool. But the standard red nose cone is just fine in most cases. We are developing a carbon fiber nose cone.
Headrest Fairings: We can supply a headrest fairing that is installed above the baggage compartment for $150. It can smooth the airflow past your head to lower drag, and can also serve as a roll bar. By adding a small key lock it could become a locking door, to make it into a small storage compartment. If not used for storage, it could be filled with stiff foam to make a more substantial roll bar system.
Vinyl Wraps: The Europeans love to personalize their VMs as then they stand out in a gaggle of VM’s. You can check out the custom-decorated Quests on the web. There are tiger, lion, giraffe, zebra, cow, shark, and ladybug designs already, so you can create whatever design you like for your VM. Talk with your local sign company and propose a design. They can transfer artwork from your computer to vinyl sheets that will stick onto your VM.
Commercial Vinyl Wraps: Such a wrap may also be used for advertising. Some enterprising VM owners have sold advertising space on their machines for a monthly or yearly fee. Some have even paid for their VMs with this strategy. We have doctors in El Paso that plan to use their VM’s for visiting patients. The machines have been purchased as a business expense and are soon to have logos applied to their sides.
Brake Upgrade: We can supply larger, 90 mm Sturmey-Archer brakes for
an additional charge of $80. The standard 70 mm S/A brake drums are fine for
riding on level ground and occasional hills. For descending mountains the 90 mm
brakes are advisable. On very long mountain descents the 70 mm drums will heat
up, the shoes will overheat, and the plastic hubcap will melt and fall off. We
had many problems with this on ROAM. (See ROAM) Almost everyone with 70 mm
brakes had to replace the drums and brakeplates after the tour, as they got
burned descending mountains. The 90 mm brakes weight 250 gm more than the
standard ones, so add about a pound to the weight of the FAW+.
Link to additional FAW+ Information
topMost of the BlueVelo accessories/options are installed at the factory. All of the accessories are well-tested and perform well.
Ordering the lighting options at purchase is highly recommended if you may wish to have a lighting system in the future as adding a really good lighting system later can be a challenge for most people.
Lighting package (front/rear/interior light/ composite "dash"/ 12V
power) $545
One of the greatest benefits of a velomobile is the ability to use it for ALL
of your transportation needs (outside of carrying passengers and large bulky
things). Having good lights extends it's usefulness into the night. Good
lights, especially the headlight, are essential on a velomobile. You are able
to easily outrun most headlights given even a modest downhill. I feel the
Inoled Extreme that comes with the Quest to be adequate in most situations up
to @30 mph (although your personal comfort zone depends upon your individual
eyesight and reaction times).
Turn Signals/Hazards/Running lights (requires base lighting package)
$295
Useful at dawn/dusk as well as being especially useful at night. The turn
signals alone are worth the price at night – sticking an arm out to signal is
worthless in the dark.
Second front light (as addition to base lighting) $120
If your maximum speeds are regularly around 30 mph or more (I hit 50-55 mph
every day when I was riding in Tucson), then a second light is essential for
you to see more of the road. Your only option is to slow down at night (this is
what I ended up having to do as I didn't order a second light with my Quest).
Depending upon your local terrain, needing to slow down that much on a downhill
may make your commutes much longer as it will take away from your momentum
(which is what makes a Quest so dominant over regular bikes).
Cateye Strada wireless computer $85
I have had some issues with my computer in the past, but after realigning the
sensor unit I have achieved a working unit once again. One issue that the
Cateye Strada wireless computer has is the inability to display speeds over
65.9 mph. This may seem to be a non-issue for some people, but I bypassed this
speed during my third week of Quest ownership while riding through Kansas. I
had a wired unit installed later that displayed to a higher speed, but the
aspect of it's being wired made front strut removal just a little more time
consuming (this annoyance should be rare for most users as strut removal is not
a regular procedure). My wired computer is not currently installed in my
Quest.
Brake light (as addition to base lighting) $65
One of the more useful options as it will allow those behind you to be quickly
aware of your intentions. Sometimes sticking your arm out to signal when
stopping is just not convenient or effective (such as at night). A velomobile
with properly adjusted brakes can stop quite quickly and it is possible to
“collect” other riders who are not paying enough attention.
Electric Horn (as addition to base lighting) $75
This is a personal preference, I ordered a horn but never used it so I removed
it. On the other hand, David uses his every day and would be lost without it.
When I REALLY need a horn, I have a very strong voice that can get the job
done!
Second Mirror $35
This option is even more important with a velomobile than it is on a regular
recumbent. You will most likely eventually find yourself riding like other
vehicles on the roads, and the need to see behind you to both sides is
essential for safely using the road – not all vehicles (such as electric
cars) are loud enough to hear easily.
Fabric Wheel Covers $90
These do enhance the aerodynamics of the Quest enough to notice if you ride at
higher speeds (25+ mph). To a non-velomobile owner that may seem to be a very
high speed, but many velomobile riders find that doing 100-mile rides in excess
of a 20 mph average to be normal.
Ventisit comfort seat cushion $95
I really like my Ventisit pad, but I have also comfortably ridden my Quest
without it during cooler weather.
90mm Sturmey Archer Drums $80
If you are heavier or do regular long mountain riding, I recommend this
upgrade. I have them on my Quest and can't imagine being equipped with anything
less for my use (in the mountains I actually wanted even more). For the record,
I weigh @240 lbs and during my mountain riding I went over 70 mph. I have used
my brakes to their fullest (and then some) during my cross-country tours, but
for regular around-town riding in a flat area the stock 70mm brakes would be
adequate even for someone my size.
Terracycle Sport Idler $70
I didn't order one originally, but when my stock idler died I had one of these
installed in the parking lot in Portland before we left on ROAM (thanks Nina!).
It has performed extremely well. Did it make me faster? I couldn't say as I
didn't do any testing. Am I going to replace it? Only with another Terracycle
product (if such an unlikely event should ever happen).
Convenience Handle (Tail Mounted) $95
This is another option that didn't seem necessary when I ordered my Quest.
After seeing all of the ROAM riders easily maneuver their velos around by using
their handles, I changed my mind. When I had my shell apart for repairs after
ROAM, I installed a handle I obtained locally. Be aware that installing a
handle when the Quest shell is still bolted together is EXTREMELY difficult as
reaching the tail of the Quest from inside requires you to get into the shell
– not fun. Taking the shell apart is also something you'd rather not do,
unless urgently needed, as well.
Paul's Thumbies (Dura Ace Shifters) $165
I was the one of the first owners to get this option and I wouldn't want to
ride my Quest without them. I am able to control both shifters and the brakes
with just one hand if needed (without removing my hand from the controls). I
had issues with using Grip Shifters on my previous bikes due to the amount of
sweat on my hands (I had to use riding gloves to get enough grip to turn them).
This is not an issue with the Shimano barends mounted on Paul's Thumbies.
Radical Design Storage Bag $110
This has turned into my essential “hold-all” even when I am out of the
Quest. Yes, it looks like a purse in some ways, but I really don't care because
it does such a good job. The bag is unique because it fits the curvature of the
floor of the Quest and allows it to stay in place at all times. Of course this
means that when it is out of the Quest it falls over on it's side. I'm
considering getting the second bag that is now offered for use on the right
side of the Quest, but I'm afraid that I'll make it too easy to keep carrying
more and more with me.
Flevobike Roof $365
I bought my roof with the idea that it would be most useful during the rain. I
was wrong. It is more useful during bright sunshine. Don't get me wrong, it
keeps the rain off of you quite well. It just kept the sun off me so well that
I didn't have any issues with burning during my time in Tucson. The only
sunburn I got was during ROAM when we were climbing Lolo Pass and I had my arms
hanging out of the body (and not under the roof).
Zotefoam cockpit comfort liner $90
This is an option that I have no experience with.
Accessory light mount $35
This is an option that I have no experience with.
Trailer hitch mount $95
This is an option that I have no experience with, but had it been available
when I ordered my Quest I probably would have ordered as well. Having the
ability to pull a trailer would make my shopping trips even more expensive :)
It would also allow me to get bulkier items home more easily (or at all)
without a car.
Schlumpf Mountain Drive $785
I've seen them in action, and they seem to work well.
Carbon body upgrade $1,950
Had this option been available when I ordered my Quest, I'd have also gotten
it. Maybe it isn't the most sensible option for me as I tend to carry a bunch
of extra junk around all of the time anyway, thereby negating much of the drop
in weight (but it would still make me lighter overall). I'm sure I'll go carbon
on my next Quest.
Shipping crate $295
When you see the crate, it will be apparent that Ray is not making money on
this item. The base is very heavy duty. Mine is still in my parent's barn
awaiting me having the room to store it myself.
Link to additional Quest Information
topLighting Package (Front/Rear/Interior/composite dash/ 12V power)
$545
Highly recommended. It is a well thought out system and is essential for anyone
who plans on using their velomobile for daily activities.
Turn Signals/Hazards/LED running lights (requires base lighting
package) $295
Highly recommended.
Second front light (as addition to base lighting) $120
This option can be useful for a number of people (I'd like to have a second
light myself).
Cateye Strada Wireless Computer $85
Recommended. You really should have some sort of bike computer not only to keep
track of your miles, but also (perhaps surprisingly) to make sure you're not
caught for speeding (it is quite possible to exceed the speed limit in many
areas).
Brake light (as addition to base lighting) $65
Highly recommended.
Electric Horn (as addition to base lighting) $75
Useful for some people.
Second Mirror $35
Highly recommended. Seeing all of the traffic is the first step to safe
riding.
Fabric wheel covers $90
Highly recommended. It should make an even bigger difference with the Strada
than it does for the Quest as more of the wheel is exposed.
Ventisit comfort cushion $95
Highly recommended, very comfortable.
90mm Drum Brakes upgrade $80
Highly recommended. If any long downhills and heavy weight are in your future,
then this is an important option to consider. One key to going fast is being
able to stop when needed.
Terracycle Sport Idler $70
Recommended. If you don't get one immediately, don't pass it up when it's time
to replace the stock idler.
Convenience Handle (Tail mounted) $95
Recommended. It really makes moving the velo around the garage or parking lot
much easier.
Paul's Thumbies/Dura Ace shifters $165
Highly recommended.
Radical Design Interior Storage Bag $110
Recommended.
Flevobike top $365
Highly recommended.
Zotefoam cockpit comfort liner $90
I have no experience with this option.
GPS Mount $65
This is an option that I have no experience with, but having a good location to
mount your GPS is handy. My GPS unit currently sits on the floor when I'm not
looking at it (perhaps not as convenient as it should be, but I don't use my
GPS that much either).
Accessory light mount $35
I have no experience with this option.
Trailer hitch mount $95
I have no experience with this option, but if it would have been available when
I bought my velo I would have ordered it.
Schlumpf Mountain Drive $795
A good product that I have no experience with personally.
Carbon Strada configuration (28.5kg) $1,950
I know this seems to be an expensive option, but when you consider the amount
of weight the Strada drops it isn't too bad after all. A DF riding racer-type
wouldn't blink at such an expense for carbon, and they don't lose anywhere near
as much weight.
Shipping Crate $295
A needed option (unless you go directly to the factory to pick it up).
Link to additional Strada Information
topAt this time, BlueVelo is offering the same accessories/options on the Quest XS as are available on the full-sized Quest. The prices for everything is also identical, so see the Quest accessories/options section for information on the Quest XS accessories/options for now.
Link to additional Quest XS Information
top